My car is eating passenger side wheel bearings...

[clashingtaco]

I did my front passenger wheel bearing about a 8 and my rear passenger bearing about 6 months ago. I heard some humming and assumed the other side was starting to go so I bought another front and rear. I know it's advised to do both sides at the same time but it was freezing out and there was no play in either of the other bearings so I let them be.

I got my car off the ground and realized the same rear bearing was the one making the noise. The other still has no play in it. So I took it apart and it's shot. There's no discoloration or pitting in the bearing itself so I don't know what caused it to go so fast. There was still a lot of grease so I know that wasn't the problem. And when I did them I had my teacher supervising the whole thing so I know it was done right. The races were even replaced.

I checked the two front wheels for play and again, it was the passenger side that had play in it. The other side had a tiny bit of play but nothing compared to the passenger side. The front one was done by a tech at work and I don't imagine him botching the job.

Did I just get crappy bearings or is there something behind this?

[briano1234]

You have to "Grease" them....
If you didn't fully seat the bearing, as in tighten the nut till the drum can move then back it off just enough to get the drum to freespin, then that can wear the bearings out.
Too tight, destroys them.
Too Loose and that too will destroy them.

[tolusina]

Front, either the axle (CV) nut was not fully torqued, or the hub was not replaced at the same time, or both.

Rear. Wait, WHAT? There's no pitting or discoloration? Then what's wrong with it?

[shortwave360]

I had the same issue. It was me not torquing correctly. I paid closer attention to my work the second time through and I haven't had an problem since.

[clashingtaco]

The wheel bearing was properly seated. I did it at school with my automotive professor watching everything. The rear bearing had one of the rollers (I don't know what they're actually called) falling out, as if the cage that hold them together started breaking apart.
The front hub was replaced when the bearing was done.

[duanevw]

Also, be sure your using good German parts, because there are cheap versions that are made in Germany.

I seen a lot of people purchase bad German made water pumps, struts and front end parts usually are good German made for front suspension.

Duane, MI

[tolusina]

Click this link,
http://reflectionsandshadows.com/fro...plus-race.html
then the "Next" link, then the "Thumbnails" link for a full description of how the inner race MUST be backed up when pressing in the hub.